Uecker posts over 1,100 digs in volleyball at Smithson Valley

Pat Turner :
October 10, 2012
: Updated: October 11, 2012 11:20am

Smithson Valley's Nina Mody-Bailey (center) tries to get a shot past New Braunfels' Cassie Reilly (left) and Nika Cuppettilli during their match at New Braunfels High School on Octt. 2, 2012. New Braunfels won the match in four sets: 25-19, 25-21, 22-25 and 25-14. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net

Smithson Valley still has four more District 25-5A matches for the regular season. If everything goes like the senior libero hopes, a playoff berth will follow

Uecker could play college volleyball, but with plans to be a lawyer in the future, she's decided to focus more on her academics once she graduates. That's not to say she is putting the game on the shelf completely. There's too much love for volleyball to do that.

She's planning to play intramural volleyball in college. As far as serious competition goes, this is it. That's why Uecker's senior season has so much meaning, especially now that it is stretch time.

“I know this is my last year and that's why I want to do well,” Uecker said. “I want to have a good year and have no what ifs about anything. I know it's almost over. I want to go out with a bang and give my all these last few weeks.”

It's been a productive season for Uecker and the Rangers. Despite a loss to league-leader New Braunfels the previous week, Smithson Valley (28-8, 5-1) is still in the title hunt. A playoff berth looks even more promising providing the winning ways continue.

Uecker has been a plus. In this past Tuesday's sweep of San Marcos, the senior reached the 600-dig milestone by recording 14 digs to up her season total to 612 and career total well over 1,100.

Smithson Valley has a reputation of putting out top-notch liberos. During Uecker's first two years on varsity she saw limited action while playing behind Paige Hamilton and Leigh Larralde. However, she used that as a grooming period. Now, she's keeping the tradition going.

Showing the type of skills that would have made daredevil Evel Knievel smile, Uecker goes all-out, even if it means diving for the ball on the floor.

“I feel like I have big shoes to fill at libero,” said Uecker, who played outside hitter in her younger years. “The hitters usually get all the glory, but as a libero you can get the momentum going with a play. I love making the plays where you have to dive.

“I got a lot of it from watching Paige. She was like my mentor. She went all-out for the time. She never wanted to let a ball hit the ground. I want to do the same.”

Uecker and her teammates did a quite a lot of growing during last year's run to the Class 4A playoffs, which ended in a loss to eventual champion Lake Travis in the second round.

The Rangers went into this season determined to have more success as Smithson Valley made the jump to Class 5A.

Although the skills and experience are making a difference, Uecker believes something stronger has created the success.

“We're so close,” Uecker said. “I do a lot for them and they do a lot for me. We're playing so well together this year. We've been together a long time and that means a lot.

“I've played with Nina four years now. I know what she's going to do before she does it. She's the same with me. This year has been special. All these girls are my best friends and I love playing with them.”